Gold prices across major Indian bullion markets moved upward in the early trading hours of August 21, positioning the precious metal to record its third consecutive weekly gain. Heightened volatility in the US dollar index alongside falling treasury yields in global markets prompted investors to seek shelter in precious metals. In response to these global triggers, domestic prices for 24-carat, 22-carat, and 18-carat gold witnessed price hikes ranging between Re 1 and Rs 100 per unit. While early trading rates opened on a firm note across cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, market participants noted that updated prices could adjust following fresh announcements expected after 10:00 am on Friday.
Detailed Breakdown of 24-Carat Gold Prices
The highest purity benchmark, 24-carat gold with 99.9% purity, registered gains across all denomination weights. The price for 1 gram of 24-carat gold stood at Rs 15,928. Buyers opting for 8 grams of 24-carat gold saw rates touch Rs 1,27,424. The standard 10-gram denomination for 24-carat gold reached Rs 1,59,280, while bulk transactions for 100 grams of 24-carat gold were quoted at Rs 15,92,800. Analysts attribute this upward movement in high-purity gold to structural adjustments in global liquidity and soft yields on sovereign debt instruments.
Rates for 22-Carat and 18-Carat Gold Categories
Prices for 22-carat gold, which carries a purity rating of 91.6% and serves as the primary standard for jewelry making, also tracked higher. The rate for 1 gram of 22-carat gold rose to Rs 14,601. For an 8-gram accumulation, the cost accumulated to Rs 1,16,808, while 10 grams of 22-carat gold reached Rs 1,46,010. Large-scale jewelry buyers looking at 100 grams of 22-carat gold encountered a price tag of Rs 14,60,100. Similarly, 18-carat gold registered a price of Rs 11,947 for 1 gram, Rs 96,576 for 8 grams, Rs 1,19,470 for 10 grams, and Rs 11,94,700 for 100 grams.
Global Market Dynamics and Crude Oil Pressures
The ongoing surge in bullion comes at a time when energy markets are experiencing elevated crude oil prices. Typically, rising oil costs place downward pressure on non-yielding assets, but strong safe-haven sentiment has neutralized this drag. Additional momentum has stemmed from international bond purchases that injected liquidity into financial markets, weighing on the strength of the greenback. Geopolitical friction surrounding the US-Iran dynamic continues to add a risk premium to precious metals, keeping investor demand buoyant across Asian trading sessions.
Analyst Insights on Bullion Momentum and Profit Booking
Providing market context on these movements, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency at LKP Securities, pointed out that precious metals derived primary structural backing from a weakening dollar following liquidity infusions via US bond purchases. Jateen Trivedi highlighted that gold has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite rising crude prices and persistent geopolitical ambiguity around the US-Iran situation. According to his technical assessment, market momentum will remain positive as long as bullion sustains above key baseline support levels. However, he cautioned that sharp upward rallies at elevated price thresholds could trigger short-term profit booking from institutional and retail investors.
